VR Tech Times

The VF7 is Vinfast ’s flagship crossover SUV in India, positioned against rivals such as the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV . It’s offered with two battery options – 59.8kWh and 70.8kWh. The smaller pack is paired with a single motor driving the front wheels, while the larger battery also gets a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup in higher variants. We put the top-spec dual-motor AWD version to the test to evaluate its real-world efficiency.  Gets 3 drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport 3 levels of regenerative braking; no single-pedal mode Top-spec weighs 2,218kg Vinfast VF7 AWD real world range In this configuration, the VF7 produces a combined 354hp and 500Nm, and it tips the scales at 2,218kg. For our tests, we drove the car in its most efficient Eco mode, with regenerative braking set to the highest level in the city and the lowest on the highway. The VF7 returned an efficiency of 5.10km/kWh in the city and 5.92km/kWh on the highway. Extrapolated, the c...

The VF7 is Vinfast ’s flagship crossover SUV in India, positioned against rivals such as the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV . It’s offered with two battery options – 59.8kWh and 70.8kWh. The smaller pack is paired with a single motor driving the front wheels, while the larger battery also gets a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup in higher variants. We put the top-spec dual-motor AWD version to the test to evaluate its real-world efficiency.  Gets 3 drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport 3 levels of regenerative braking; no single-pedal mode Top-spec weighs 2,218kg Vinfast VF7 AWD real world range In this configuration, the VF7 produces a combined 354hp and 500Nm, and it tips the scales at 2,218kg. For our tests, we drove the car in its most efficient Eco mode, with regenerative braking set to the highest level in the city and the lowest on the highway. The VF7 returned an efficiency of 5.10km/kWh in the city and 5.92km/kWh on the highway. Extrapolated, the com...

The Ola Roadster is positioned as one of the more performance-focused bikes in the brand’s line-up. For this review, we have the X+ 4.5kWh variant, which gets a 11kW motor and a claimed IDC range of 252km. Design and Features - 2/10 Inconsistent build quality and poor execution. The Roadster has a slim design with sharp panels for a modern look, but the inconsistent build quality is apparent all over. There are uneven panel gaps in several areas, with the largest one sitting under the seat. Additionally, some parts of the bike use very basic-looking bolts that feel out of place on what is supposed to be a modern electric motorcycle. The swingarm is quite skinny for a motorcycle with this level of performance. The flap for the fast-charging port also feels flimsy, and visually, these elements don’t inspire much confidence. The home charger sits neatly under the seat and can be removed to free up 3.7 litres of under-seat storage. However, the large gaps between the seat and bodywork...

At a time when diesel still continues to hold a significant share in India’s SUV-heavy passenger vehicle market even as electrification gains momentum, the Renault Group is taking a clear position on its future powertrain strategy that does not include diesel. Outlining the company’s renewed vision for India, Renault Group CEO François Provost said the company’s future portfolio will be built around new architectures , multiple body styles and a wide powertrain mix, but categorically ruled out a return to diesel.  “I think diesel is old technology. I don’t want to go backwards. I’m moving forward,” Provost told Autocar India, underlining a decisive shift in Renault’s powertrain strategy which aligns with a broader group-level direction of not investing in the development of a new-generation diesel engine, a call that effectively closes the chapter on the legendary 1.5 K9K diesel that powered the Duster to success in India and successive engines. Nearly 90 percent of first...

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The Hyundai Alcazar , or as I like to call it, the ‘Creta Pro Max’, has joined the Autocar India long-term fleet. While it has been around for a while now, this is our first proper opportunity to live with it, use it like an owner would and see how it fits into everyday life rather than a tightly controlled test schedule. And in just the first few weeks, it has already been put through a fair mix of duties. What stands out immediately is how distinct the Alcazar now feels from the Creta . That was not always the case, but with the updated design, the front and rear have a very different identity. The connected LED tail-lamps and the sharp LED DRL signature give it a more sophisticated look, and its longer proportions make it appear like it belongs to a segment above. It has presence, and in a city like Mumbai, where SUVs are everywhere, that does count for something. Inside, the experience is familiar but well executed. The overall fit and finish is good, and the cabin feels solidl...

The Kinetic DX electric is a reincarnation of the iconic Kinetic Honda DX 2-stroke petrol scooter, featuring similar boxy, squared-off styling. While it enters a fiercely competitive electric scooter market, the DX has some strengths that might appeal to certain buyers. However, it also has some significant drawbacks that could make established rivals a better choice. If you're considering the Kinetic DX, here's what works in its favour and what doesn't. Reasons to buy the Kinetic DX Nostalgic and eye-catching design The DX electric's boxy, squared-off lines and clear design similarity to the original Kinetic Honda DX make it stand out on the road. The top DX+ variant comes in vibrant colour options that further enhance its appeal. With metal body panels and a solid, built-to-last feel, it has a unique neo-retro character that will tug at the heartstrings of fans of the original Kinetic Honda DX. If you want something that looks different from every other electric s...

The Resie tourRad adventure touring tyre range is aimed at riders who spend most of their time on highways and twisty roads, with occasional off-road use. The new tourRad range uses a radial construction for the rear tyres, while the both front TourR tyre options use a bias-ply construction. For this ride experience, the rear tourRad and front tourR tyres were equipped on a bunch of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 s and one Triumph Scrambler 400 X as well. There are two non-radial front tyre options including a 100/90-19 and a 90/90-21 while the rear gets radials for 17inch rims in five different sizes. We got to do a Mumbai-Lonavala round trip of around 200kms with these tyres to get an understanding of how they perform. Considering that the tyres were brand new, I started off slowly as they needed some scrubbing in to get to their potential. Despite being brand new, our stint of getting out of the city felt good, with the bike feeling stable and offering good grip while filtering ...

Think bucket list driving destinations, and you probably picture yourself driving up the Stelvio Pass, cruising down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or going banzai on the Touge routes around Tokyo. But we don’t usually appreciate the incredible journeys we can make right here in India the same way. Part of the reason is that they come with their own challenges – inconsistent road quality, unpredictable fuel stops, and the hesitation of taking a low-slung supercar far from the safety net of the city. For Zain Rais and The Supercar Route, that hesitation is exactly the problem they’re trying to solve. Europe’s finest exotics revelling on India’s finest tarmac. Zain has spent years driving some of the world’s greatest roads – from South Africa’s Garden Route to California’s Highway 101, and across Europe through Germany’s Black Forest and beyond. "After doing all of that," he says, "I realised we have roads in India that are just as special, but we don’t explore t...

One of the discussions on social media about the Renault Duster (re)launch is that the front grille carries only the Duster name and no Renault logo. People are debating the pros and cons. Are people going to buy it because it is a Duster, not a Renault? Has Renault played it right or put too much focus on just a product name? This is the classic sub-brand strategy. We have some examples already, like in the two-wheeler world, there’s Bajaj ’s Pulsar and TVS ’ Apache. Product names that have been elevated into strong sub-brands with the capability of finding their own consumer mind space. These companies have invested heavily in these brands, in terms of product portfolio, customer ecosystem and communication, and Mahindra has gone on record to say that not just the Thar, but the Scorpio and the XUV line would grow into their own sub-brands as well, à la JLR’s Defender , Range Rover et al.  In some markets, Toyota has a specific badge for the entire line-up offered under the...

In my last report , I said that I find the Scrambler XC to be best billed as a city bike, but ironically, that’s where my motorcycle has spent the least time so far. Instead, as was always intended, I have been spending most of my time with the bike out on highways and even on off-road trails, although admittedly, it is neither an outright tourer nor an off-road machine. Upright riding position and wide handlebars make for comfortable ergonomics. My only real gripe with the Scrambler XC is its short gearing, as it uses a 14-tooth front sprocket as opposed to the 15-tooth setup on the Speed 400 . Out on the highway, cruising at an indicated 100kph with the rev counter clocking about 6,000rpm, the bike already feels like it’s at the edge of its sweet spot. Pull harder, and the engine will reward you with more poke, but it doesn’t feel relaxed doing so. In fact, when the needle is ticking at 100kph, you’re actually doing 90kph, as there’s a good 10kph speedo error.  Well-padded...

Skoda is offering lucrative benefits on the outgoing Kushaq of up to Rs 3 lakh. This includes cash discounts, exchange bonus, and either corporate or loyalty benefits. Additionally, other models in Skoda's lineup, like the Kodiaq, Slavia, and the Kylaq, are also available with attractive offers for the period of April 2026.  Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city and are subject to stock availability. Check with your local dealership for exact figures. Skoda Kushaq discounts in April 2026 Up to Rs 3 lakh off For the outgoing MY25 Kushaq, Skoda is offering benefits of up to Rs 3 lakh. This includes a cash discount of Rs 2 lakh, exchange bonus of Rs 50,000, and a corporate/loyalty benefit of Rs 50,000. The outgoing Kushaq had a last recorded ex-showroom price range of Rs 10.61 lakh to Rs 18.43 lakh. Moreover, even the early MY26 units of the Kushaq are getting benefits of up to Rs 1.05 lakh. This comprises a cash discount of Rs 30,000, an exchange bonus of  Rs 25,...